Kenya is grappling with an alarming rise in new HIV infections, particularly among youth and in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties, according to the latest review by the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC). Despite a government target to reduce HIV-related infections by 75 percent between 2020 and 2024, only a 60 percent reduction was achieved, raising concern over the country’s progress in tackling the epidemic.
One of the most striking revelations from the Kenya AIDS Strategic Framework Program Review is the 156 percent increase in new infections in Mandera County. Overall, just three counties met the 75 percent reduction target, while 43 counties registered some level of progress. However, the steady rise in new infections among youths aged 15 to 24 estimated at 6,000 annually has drawn significant worry from health officials.
Speaking during the program’s launch at Sawela Lodge in Naivasha, Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga acknowledged the strides made in combating the disease but underscored the growing risk among the youth. “This is the most productive age group. An increase in HIV infections here spells doom for the country’s future,” he said.
Dr. Oluga also highlighted that 69 percent of Kenya’s HIV burden is concentrated in just ten counties. He attributed the rise to teenage pregnancies and escalating cases of gender-based violence (GBV), noting that over 200,000 teenage pregnancies are recorded annually. Alarmingly, half of the tuberculosis (TB) patients in Kenya are also HIV-positive, compounding the health burden.
Despite a decline in donor funding, some counties such as Siaya, Isiolo, and Marsabit have shown notable improvements. Nandi County Health CEC Angeline Kirui emphasized the importance of increased funding and training at both national and county levels to sustain and improve progress. “Donor-funded programs brought quality and accountability. Their absence has left a gap,” she said.
Busia Deputy Governor Arthur Odera also pointed to weak investment in early childhood development as a setback in the wider health response.
NSDCC Chairman Geoffrey Gitu reaffirmed the council’s commitment to partnering with counties to reduce HIV infections and deaths.
